Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Foley Catheter Removal Protocol Implementation Reduces CAUTI Rates in a Tertiary Medical Center

The goal of this project was to decrease the utilization rates of indwelling urinary catheters and ultimately decrease rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. During the eight quarters prior to project implementation, 33 percent of nursing units did not outperform the National Healthcare Safety Network benchmark for CAUTI rates. Using Lean Six Sigma methodologies, a Foley removal protocol was implemented resulting in a 20 percent decrease in catheter utilization rates. Overall, the house0wide CAUTI rate shows an 8 percent decrease this fiscal year thus far.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state.  These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)